Latest BCS National Championship is now writ in crimson flame

Saban's statue updated in advance of today's parade

University of Alabama student Alex Webster paints the first number in 2012 onto the wall behind a statue of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban at the Walk of Champions on Friday. Clark Memorials is responsible for all the walls and plaques at the Walk. The writing on the walls is sandblasted on and then covered in paint. Rod Hayes of Clark Memorials adds the writing to the walls, and met Webster the time he added 2009 to the wall. Webster asked if he could paint one of the numbers, and he has been at the additions each year. Webster, originally from Tampa, Fla., said he grew up a die-hard Alabama fan.

Staff photo | Michelle Lepianka Carter

Staff report

Published: Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 18, 2013 at 10:17 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | You watched the Crimson Tide beat Notre Dame, you bought a championship T-shirt, but now it's really time to celebrate.

University of Alabama student Alex Webster paints the first number in 2012 onto the wall behind a statue of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban at the Walk of Champions on Friday. Clark Memorials is responsible for all the walls and plaques at the Walk. The writing on the walls is sandblasted on and then covered in paint. Rod Hayes of Clark Memorials adds the writing to the walls, and met Webster the time he added 2009 to the wall. Webster asked if he could paint one of the numbers, and he has been at the additions each year. Webster, originally from Tampa, Fla., said he grew up a die-hard Alabama fan.

Staff photo | Michelle Lepianka Carter

Thousands of fans are expected to gather today for a parade to commemorate the University of Alabama's 2012 national football championship team.

The parade, featuring head coach Nick Saban and members of the team, will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the corner of University Boulevard and Second Avenue.

The parade will proceed to ­Bryant-Denny Stadium, ending at the on the top steps of the north end zone in front of the Walk of Champions, where a ceremony will be emceed by Eli Gold, the Crimson Tide's radio broadcaster.

Parking will be available at all legal parking spots on the UA campus.

Fans can find a spot to view the parade along the sidewalks of University Boulevard or gather along the Walk of Champions.

The Million Dollar Band, Big Al, UA cheerleaders and the Orange Bowl's mascot, Obie, will all be part of the festivities.

From 9 a.m. until noon, fans can have their picture taken with all three of the Tide's crystal BCS trophies at Gate 3 outside the stadium.

At 10:30 a.m., fans can watch a replay of the 2013 BCS National Championship Game on a large video screen near the Walk of Champions.

Commemorative posters will be available at three locations around the Walk of Champions: by Gate 3 and at the northeast and northwest corners of the Walk of Champions.

Five thousand mini footballs and 5,000 commemorative beads will also be distributed.

BCS commemorative cups will be available with the purchase of a $6 beverage at all food tents. BCS-themed merchandise will be for sale at a tent on the northwest lot of the stadium and in front of Reese Phifer and Farrah halls.

After the ceremony, fans will be allowed to walk onto the field inside the stadium by entering through Gate 47.

The parade is sponsored by Regions Bank, AT&T and Academy Sports and Outdoors.

The Crimson Tide earned its 15th national football title on Jan. 7 in Miami, marking the program's third BCS title in the last four years.

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